The Edmonton symptom assessment system--what do patients think?
OBJECTIVE
The Edmonton Symptom Assessment System (ESAS) is a tool for self-reporting of symptom intensity, initially developed for advanced cancer patients. It consists of numerical rating scales for nine common symptoms, with the option of adding a tenth. Despite its widespread use in palliative care, few studies have focused on its psychometric properties, with none involving patient perspectives. The purpose of this study was to gather validity evidence for the ESAS, by examining patients' cognitive processes while completing the ESAS, understanding of terminology and numerical ratings, and opinions of the ESAS as a self-reporting tool.


METHODS
English-speaking advanced cancer patients, referred to a Pain and Symptom Control Consultation Service in a cancer centre, were recruited. Using a qualitative "think aloud" study design, patients completed the ESAS independently while being prompted to verbalize their thoughts. They then answered a structured questionnaire to elicit their opinions of the ESAS. Transcripts of audio-taped sessions were coded and analyzed.


RESULTS
Twenty patients were evaluable. Symptom ratings were influenced by current symptom profiles, temporal changes, symptom experience history and individual perceptions. Symptom interpretation and numerical rating assignments varied. Difficult terminology included tiredness versus drowsiness, depression, anxiety, appetite, and well-being. Most patients agreed with the item order and thought that the ESAS was easy to complete, with a health care professional present. Patients expressed a need to emphasize the timeframe as "now".


CONCLUSIONS
Modification of the tool and administration process may be warranted, but further study in other populations is needed.
Watanabe
Sharon
S
Department of Symptom Control and Palliative Care, Cross Cancer Institute, 11560 University Avenue, Edmonton, Alberta T6G 1Z2, Canada. sharonwa@cancerboard.ab.ca
Nekolaichuk
Cheryl
C
Beaumont
Crystal
C
Mawani
Asifa
A
D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D009369:Neoplasms / Q000503:physiopathology / Q000523:psychology*; D010166:Palliative Care / Q000379:methods*; D017060:Patient Satisfaction; D011594:Psychometrics / Q000592:standards*; D018434:Sickness Impact Profile; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires; D009626:Terminology as Topic